AN inspirational SEND educator says she is delighted after winning a prestigious teaching award.

Becky McClean, who owns and runs Special Steps nursery in Stourport has been recognised with a Silver Award for Excellence in Special Needs Education in the Pearson National Teaching Awards.

Selected from thousands of nominees, the win highlights the impact they have on shaping the lives of the young people in their care.

Special Steps is the only SEND exclusive nursery provision in Worcestershire, and one of very few in the country.

The nursery supports a cohort of 19 children aged between one and five years, who have complex special needs, medical needs, disabilities, or palliative care needs.

(Image: Becky McClean)

Becky now has plans to move the nursery to a bigger premises and treble in size, meaning she and her staff team will be able to offer support to up to 60 children and their families.

Becky is one of 102 deserving teachers, lecturers, leaders, support staff and institutions named as silver winners in this year’s awards.

They will now be in the running for the coveted Gold Award, which will be announced at a prestigious awards ceremony later in the year.

Reacting to the prestigious award, Becky, aged 31, said: "It's absolutely amazing. It's great to get the recognition.

"It's so rewarding just to see all the children in a setting they are supposed to be in. Just to see the amazing steps that they make - the progress they make.

"I couldn't do it without the support of my amazing team".